P & O cruise ship brawl: Woman charged over ‘glassing’

A WOMAN has been charged with assault and a group of six men are “no longer welcome” on P&O cruise ships after two separate Bucks parties brawled.

A GROUP of Australian men kicked off a P & O cruise ship yesterday after an out-of-control brawl broke out have told reporters it was “one hell of a bucks party”.

A Russian woman named Tatiana Baladina has been charged with assault for allegedly hitting a 21-year-old man with an empty wine bottle, causing lacerations to his head.

Police will allege Baladina, 37, struck the man during a heated clash between rival bucks parties on the three day cruise.

The P & O cruise ship was forced to return to Sydney after the brawl.

Police met the cruise ship Pacific Explorer at Bradleys Head on the north shore of Sydney Harbour, and removed six men and a woman after a fight took place on Sunday morning.

Ms Baladina was taken to Newtown Police Station where she was charged with reckless wounding and affray. The six men were released without charge. Police say they are conducting further inquiries.

Speaking to 9 News, one of the men involving in the brawl said it was “one hell of a bucks party, that’s it”.

Another said, “it was just boys being boys”.

Passengers told 9 News after the brawl, security separated the men and they were detained. The man with the injury was treated by medical personnel on board.

Ms Baladina has been granted conditional bail and will appear at the Downing Centre Local Court on Friday, March 9.

“P & O Cruises asked the NSW Police Marine Area Command to attend Pacific Explorer this morning to assist in removeing a group of people from the ship as a result of their behaviour on board overnight,” a statement sent to news sourses by Carnival Corporation read.

“This is in line with our strict policy of zero tolerance of excessive behaviour that affects the safety, comfort and enjoyment of other guests.”

A spokesperson for P & O Cruises said while such situations are rare on board their ships, strong action will be taken when necessary.

The Pacific Explorer has since returned after its three-night round trip cruise from Sydney and, according to the spokesman, police met the ship inside the harbour to conduct the transfer of the group back to shore.

“We are assisting police in their inquiries,” the statement continued.